Rise And Fall Of Atiq Ahmed: How Umesh Pal’s Murder Case Put Spotlight On Gangster-Turned-Politician

Dreaded gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother were shot dead while they were taken for medical examination on April 15. Brothers were killed when three people opened fire at them near a medical college in Prayagraj. Once a politician, the main accused in Umesh Pal’s murder case, Atiq was a 5-time MLA, one-time MP. Notably, Atiq was involved in several serious cases, including murder, kidnapping, rioting, and extortion. However, despite being accused of heinous crimes, the gangster managed to win elections multiple times.In 1989, Atiq started his political journey as he won Allahabad West seat as independent candidate. Atiq retained his seat for the next two assembly elections and joined Samajwadi Party. In 1996, he once again won the elections from Samajwadi Party’s ticket.Then he joined Apna Dal and won assembly elections for the fifth consecutive term. After rejoining SP in 2004, he won parliamentary elections from Phulpur Lok Sabha constituency. In March 2023, Atiq, who had over 100 cases against him, was convicted in a case for the first time. It was the gruesome murder of lawyer Umesh Pal, which made Atiq gain notoriety once again.

Atiq Ahmed is the main accused in Raju Pal murder case, and gruesome murder of lawyer Umesh Pal. In 2005, BSP MLA Raju Pal was killed when he and his associates were heading home. In Feb 2023, Umesh Pal, the eyewitness of Raju Pal’s case was also shot dead in broad daylight. Atiq Ahmed, his brother Ashraf, son Asad and aide Ghulam were the main accused of Umesh Pal’s murder. Prayagraj Special Court had sentenced Atiq for life imprisonment in 2007 abduction of Umesh Pal.Weeks after the heinous crime, Atiq and his brother were killed by three assailants on live TV. Both of them were handcuffed, answering questions of the media persons when the incident happened.In Jhansi, Atiq’s son Asad and his aide Ghulam were gunned down by UP STF on April 13. Noose tightened around Atiq and family’s neck after Umesh Pal murder case jolted Uttar Pradesh in February. Once again, Atiq murder has triggered a political debate in Uttar Pradesh over law and order situation.